The Scottish Isle of Islay is known for its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and historic sites. But it’s the world-class whisky distilleries that keep tourists coming back every year! Known for their distinct peaty flavour, Islay whiskies will certainly leave a lasting impression in more ways than one.

Home to nine working whisky distilleries, the island is considered one of the most distinct whisky regions in the world and has become the centre of whisky tourism in recent years. There’s a reason it’s known locally as “Whisky Island”.

But with so many to choose from, which Islay distilleries are worthy of a spot on your travel itinerary? This guide will talk you through each of the island’s distilleries in detail so you can plan the perfect distillery tour during your next trip to the Queen of the Hebrides. So whether you’re a whisky lover or learner, continue reading to find out more!

Ardbeg Distillery was founded in 1815 and is well-known for its stunning scenery alone. The Old Kiln Cafe is also well worth a visit if an afternoon of sampling Islay whisky has helped work up an appetite for a hearty, homemade meal. Offerings include salmon platters, beef burgers, and haddock chowder.

Perched on a rocky headland on the island’s southern coast, visitors can look forward to generous samples of the distillery’s greatest malts when they pop into the famous tasting bar. Guests can also redeem tour vouchers for £5 off selected bottles in the gift shop.

Ardbeg’s tours and tastings run on a seasonal basis but are available year-round so you can shelter from the wild island weather with a dram. There are various tours to choose from depending on your taste (and budget). There’s even a cocktail corner so the non-whisky drinkers in the group can enjoy a tipple with an Ardbeggian twist!

Despite only releasing a small number of limited edition bottles a year, Ardbeg is a firm favourite among most whisky drinkers that visit the island. Ardbeg Ten Years Old, in particular, is adored around the world and is considered one of the most complex single malts in existence today. Are you brave enough to give it a try?

Ardnahoe Distillery is one of Islay’s newest distilleries having only opened to the public in 2019. Yet despite its young age, it’s already vying for the top spot on the list of distilleries with the best views. This is due to the panoramic views overlooking the Isle of Jura. Grab a bite to eat at the Illicit Still Cafe and Bar to truly appreciate the stunning scenery.

Located on the edge of Ardnahoe Loch, Ardnahoe benefits from its own water source. This allows it to reduce its water usage by as much as 15-20%! But as well as being one of the island’s most environmentally-friendly distilleries, it’s also one of the most exciting.

Guests can choose from distillery tours, whisky tastings, and even food pairings for the full culinary experience.

This modern distillery is already making a name for itself and is well worth a visit during your whistle-stop tour of Islay distilleries.

Opened in 1779, Bowmore Distillery has the pride of being Islay’s first recorded distillery. Like most Islay whiskies, the whisky at Bowmore Distillery is renowned for its peaty, smoky flavour. This is largely due to the fact that the whisky-making process hasn’t changed in 200 years!

Despite being over 240 years old, the distillery still welcomes thousands of visitors a year. Some of them are interested in the history of the distillery, others in sampling one of the world’s finest drams. Like most Islay distilleries, you can spend anything from an hour to a full day exploring here. From whisky tasting to vault tours, there’s something to keep everyone happy here.

So whether you’re embarking on a distillery tour of the island or just want to say you’ve visited one of the oldest distilleries in the country, Bowmore Distillery is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Whisky Island.

Located about 20 minutes from Bowmore, Bruichladdich Distillery has a fascinating history. Originally founded in 1881, it was reinvented in 2000 before being purchased by Rémy Cointreau for an eye-watering £58 million just twelve years later. Aside from its colourful history, there’s plenty for visitors to see and do here.

Before you even start the tour, guests are invited to fill up a bottle straight from the cask in the gift shop. This would make a unique gift for the whisky-lover in your life (or yourself). The equipment used is also much more old-school than some of the newer distilleries on the island. So if you’re looking to tour a traditional distillery, Bruichladdich should top your list.

Gin drinkers might also be surprised to know that Bruichladdich is the home of The Botanist gin. This unique offering is made with over 22 hand-foraged botanicals sourced from the local landscape. The distillery hosts tours for those that would prefer to learn how their world-famous namesake gin is made.

Fans of peatier whiskies will also love Bruichladdich. The distillery holds the unique title of producing the world’s peatiest whisky, the Octomore Masterclass 08.3. But with barley peated to a phenol level of 309ppm (parts per million), it’s not for the faint-hearted!

Situated on the northwest coast of the Scottish Highlands, the Isle of Skye has become a major tourist destination in the country. With its lush scenery, quaint fishing villages, and castles galore, this is no surprise. Crossing over the Skye Bridge can open you up to a whole new world of adventure on the Isle.

The Isle of Skye is not only a top spot for adventure-seekers but also for a family getaway. The Isle has no shortage of things to excite tourists of all ages. If you’re wondering about things to do in Skye for families, you’re in luck.

Visiting the Isle of Skye is sure to be a treat for everyone in the family, from younger children to adults. From places to eat to activities to great views to take your breath away, here are the best things to do when you visit Skye. Our team can help arrange you perfect family tour of Skye

Nestled in the Isle’s Sleat Peninsula, Duisdale Hotel is a quaint family-run boutique hotel in the Isle of Skye. The building itself was first built in 1860 and has been updated to become a modern haven for visitors.

It is part of a collection of three hotels on the Isle of Skye called the Sonas Hotel Collection. This collection is committed to sharing the beauty of the isle with guests and this makes it perfect for a family vacation.

First, there are the rooms at the Duisdale which can sleep families of several sizes. Its master suite, for example, can sleep two adults and two children. Then there is the restaurant which is famous for its delicious meals made from local produce.

The food is so good that it has won Informal Dining Venue of the Year at the Scottish Hotel Awards. Another main attraction of the hotel is its ‘Tales by The Fireside’ series in which local historian Coinneach Maclean tells stories of the isle’s history.

These run every first Saturday of the month and are especially recommended for families with small kids.

The Kinloch Lodge Hotel has a history that goes back hundreds of years. Initially serving as the hunting lodge for Armadale Castle, the establishment is now run by Lord and Lady Macdonald of Skye. Together the pair have created a lodging that is a staple of the amazing Isle.

The Kinloch Lodge is unique in that it aims to give guests an escape into the Scottish highlands and a connection with nature. Besides a place to sleep, guests can forage down to the shore, which is only a short walk away. While doing this, they will have guidance from the lodge’s ghillie who has years of experience in the area.

Then there is the food, which is made using locally-sourced produce and cooked to perfection by head chef Jordan Webb. The lodge’s whisky bar also boasts over 122 bottles of some of the rarest blends in the world. It has truly earned its place as one of the best hotels on the Isle of Skye.

If you’re looking for a view and some amazing scenery while on the Isle of Skye, the Marmalade Hotel is for you. It offers stunning views of the village of Portree, the loch and the Cuillin Mountains. In fact, the centre of Portree is only a few minutes walk from the hotel itself.

When it comes to architecture, the Marmalade Hotel has both a historic manor house and a modern building side by side. Needless to say, it has become one of the top Skye attractions for this reason alone. This 4-star hotel offers all the amenities that a family vacation would need, from food on-site to free Wi-Fi and an off-street parking area.

Besides access to local attractions, there is also a garden area and sun terrace for families to relax in and get some fresh air. Its Chargrill restaurant, described as a tribute to Scottish farmers, also specialises in some of the best steak and seafood meals on the Isle of Skye.

If you want to put some luxury into your family vacation to the Isle of Skye, the Skeabost Hotel would be a great idea. The hotel is a very short walk from the two chapels of St Columba and is surrounded by natural beauty.

Set on its own private grounds, many rooms in the Skeabost have their own private entrances and are perfect for families looking to get away.

During the summer months, guests can take in the outdoors, walk around, and bond in all of Scotland’s beauty. And while they are surrounded by a lot of history, the rooms are modern and fitted with everything you’d need for a comfortable stay.

Its Pier View restaurant overlooks Loch Snizort and offers an absolutely stunning view to elevate any meal.

What comes to mind when you think of Scotland? For many of us, haggis, bagpipes, and Braveheart would be at the top of the list. But believe it or not, when it comes to luxury experiences, Scotland has a lot to offer.

From medieval castles to a great restaurant scene, Scotland should definitely be on the list for luxury lovers. This is thanks to the country’s rich history and modern status as a cultural hub in the U.K.

But what are the best luxury experiences to have in Scotland? Keep reading to find out more.

If there’s one thing that Scotland has a lot of, it’s castles. From the historic castles that have stood for hundreds of years to the modern ones built to create the same feel, there is plenty to choose from.

For anyone looking to enjoy luxury, Scotland has many castle hotels, most of which are open year-round. Many also offer the unique experience of lodging the family in medieval-style rooms. By choosing such accommodations, you can literally sleep like a king.

Some popular options include Inverlochy Castle in the Scottish highlands. This 19th-century residence has an amazing view of the Scottish landscape, several unique rooms, and is a must for any Scotland trip. Getting a room here means you can explore the grounds at your own pace and be fully immersed in your Scottish highlands adventure.

Another option is Glenapp Castle, which has stood since 1870. Situated in South Ayrshire, it is one of Scotland’s premier hotels.

Besides these, Scotland offers dozens of historic and traditional hotel experiences that go beyond your standard holidays.

The Fingal Edinburgh, for example, is a luxury floating hotel that has become one of the most sought-after in the world. Located on the Edinburgh waterfront, you can think of the Fingal as essentially a floating country house.

It not only has decadent rooms but also an acclaimed dining experience as well. This way, you can relax and enjoy a meal while taking in the sights of the waterfront.

So, whatever your taste, Scotland has a luxury hotel for it.

There are many luxury experiences in Scotland’s capital city but afternoon tea is a must-have. An afternoon tea is a staple of Scottish culture and no Scottish trip would be complete without this activity.

If you are staying at a luxury accommodation in Edinburgh, you can enjoy afternoon tea at your hotel. The Balmoral Hotel, for example, offers high tea every afternoon on its premises. You can also enjoy an afternoon tea at a restaurant in the city.

But for the best possible experience, you should indulge in afternoon tea at Edinburgh Castle. Not only is it a top tourist location, but it also has an afternoon tea experience for visitors. The experience offers fresh finger foods and pastries, along with tea or coffee, to be served in the castle’s tea room.

The tea room in the castle is described as having a traditional Scottish feel while also being modern. This makes it the perfect place to savour a luxury Scottish experience.

The experience also comes with admission to the castle itself so if you were planning on visiting the castle anyway, why not top off the historical experience with afternoon tea?

When it comes to luxury adventures on the west coast, few experiences come close to the Hebridean Sea Safari. This experience will see you explore castles, visit several Scottish islands, enjoy five-star food, and a host of outdoor activities.

A staple of the Glenapp Castle, this experience starts with a tour of the estate grounds. Then, guests are invited to the Glenapp boat for a cruise to the Hebridean islands. On board, you will be treated to a fabulous dinner by a team of trained chefs.

When you disembark on dry land, the Glenapp crew will guide you through remote islands, stunning hills, and all the glory of the outdoors of Scotland. After you’ve enjoyed delicious food at some of the restaurants on the trail, you can spend the night outdoors.

A glamping experience is set up by the crew and guests get to refresh before dinner and wine, which is served under the stars. Needless to say, this west coast of Scotland experience gives you a bit of everything.

You get a range of unique experiences on several islands, an adventurous cruise, and fabulous service from a team of experts who will show you some of the country’s best sights.

Scotland is a country with a range of beautiful natural sights to see. One of the best ways to explore these sights is the Loch Lomond Seaplane tour. The seaplane takes off from Cameron House and covers anywhere between 70 to 110 miles in a single trip.

When you sign up for the Loch Lomond Seaplane tour, you are greeted by your captain at the departure point. Before you come on board, you will be briefed on your flight path.

While up in the air, you and your flight companions can discover the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. From incredible mountain peaks to rolling hills to lochs, this tour lets you take in the stunning Scottish scenery from high up.

This private experience also comes with refreshments like champagne. Once your flight path is complete, you will be flown back to your departure point.

The beauty of this experience is that you get both an educational and leisure trip in one. Not only do you get to see the best sights in the country (hopefully while sipping on some champagne) but you also get to top up your knowledge of Scotland as a whole.

If there is one thing Scotland offers visitors, it’s some good whisky. In fact, the country is known for the drink and this makes a visit to a distillery a highly sought-after activity for tourists.

One of the best luxury distillery experiences in Scotland is the Mastery Experience at the Macallan Distillery. This is because, on selected dates, the experience shows you not only how whisky is made but lets you make your own blend on-site. Your visit will also include a whisky-tasting experience and a dining experience, depending on which package you opt for.

Anyone who is a lover of whisky would enjoy the whiskey-making course, as well as the chance to relax and indulge in a dining experience.

Still have questions about luxury experiences in Scotland? Check out our FAQ’s:

Scotland is known for its whisky, lochs, and tartan, among other things. However, it’s the country’s golf courses that truly put it on the map! Home to over 500 courses, it’s one of the premier golf destinations in the world. Scotland even invented the modern version of golf that we all know and love today.

Most golf fans (and even non-golf fans) have heard of St Andrews, Carnoustie, and Turnberry. But what about the country’s lesser-known courses? Scotland is home to hundreds of hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered. From Brora in the Highlands to Blairgowrie in Perthshire, there is no shortage of amazing courses to tee off from.

Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry. This guide will take you on a tour of the best hidden gem golf courses in Scotland so you can plan the trip of a lifetime to the birthplace of the game. Let’s get stuck in!

Also located on the edge of the North Sea, Nairn Championship Course is one of the most spectacular seaside courses in the world. Located just 17 miles from the Capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness, it’s been redesigned multiple times over the years by some of the most recognisable names in golf course architecture, such as James Braid and Tom Morris.

The current version pays homage to the distinctive style of each designer, making for a truly unique golfing experience. Yet, it isn’t just the layout of the course that makes Nairn Championship best suited to advanced players. Most holes boast ocean views which provides a pleasant playing experience but means you might need to carry a couple of extra balls!

Being so close to the ocean, high winds also regularly make an appearance at Nairn Championship which can test even the greatest of golfers. So whether you’re up for a challenge or just want a round at one of Scotland’s most renowned links courses, this seaside fairway is guaranteed to give you a game to remember.

Despite its far-flung location on the shore of the North Sea just 1.5 hours from John o’ Groats, Brora Golf Course is a must-play for both local and international lovers of the game. From stunning views of the ocean to the mountains in the distance, you’ll struggle to concentrate on the game! But this links course offers so much more than just its surroundings.

Designed by James Braid in 1923, the course has remained virtually unchanged for over 100 years. The layout, which was later nicknamed Braid’s Plan, is somewhat simple compared to some of the country’s more popular courses. Still, you’ll be guaranteed a world-class golfing experience when you play at this classic links course.

Because of its exposed location, high winds can impact your playing ability and make it difficult to keep a steady hand. So bear the weather in mind before you book your trip.

Brora Golf Course is also home to hundreds of sheep who call the course home but they shouldn’t bother you too much if you stay out of their way.

Brora is one of Scotland’s most unique courses and certainly worth the extra miles it takes to get there.

Located just 10 minutes from Troon, Western Gailes Golf Club is a stellar example of Scottish links golf and makes for an exceptional golf experience. Famed for its unusual layout, it isn’t the largest golf course in the country at just 6,700 yards but the stunning sea views more than make up for its size! On a clear day, the course boasts fantastic views of the Isle of Arran.

What really attracts thousands of golfers to Western Gailes Golf Club every year is the course’s reputation. Although not one of Scotland’s most well-known courses, it has been used as the final qualifying venue for the Open Championship. This means it has been graced by golfing greats such as Gary Player, Tony Jacklin, and Tom Watson, just to name a few.

From deep bunkers to meandering burns, Western Gailes Golf Club is no walk in the park and can be challenging for even the most experienced of golfers. Like most Scottish golf courses, its exposed location also makes it susceptible to high winds which can make accurate putts a challenge. The clubhouse is also, somewhat unusually, located in the middle of the course.

Western Gailes Golf Club is one of Scotland’s most unique hidden gems and is well worth a visit on your next visit to the Ayrshire coast.

Located just 22 minutes from the unofficial home of golf, St Andrews, Lundin Links Golf Club is a 5,825-metre golf course with a fascinating history. Originally split into two courses and shared between two clubs, it has the unique honour of being designed by both Tom Morris and James Braid and very few modifications have been made since.

This makes for a uniquely interesting golf course with a little bit of everything mixed in. From blind drives and testing bunkers to high winds and excellent greens, Lundin Links Golf Club isn’t for the faint-hearted. The second, third, and fourth holes are exceptionally close to the beach, making for an expensive game if you don’t get it right on the first few tries.

It’s not just the course that keeps visitors coming back time and time again. The views from the top of the hill on a clear day are well worth the climb and the aptly-named Hole in 1 Bistro Co. is the perfect spot for a bite to eat after a day of putting. Whether you play golf monthly or annually, Lundin Links is a great course for both casual and expert golfers.

Elie Golf House Club is perfectly situated in the East Neuk of Fife, just 13 minutes from Lundin Links Golf Club. The course can be traced back to 1589 when a royal charter was granted, giving local golfers permission to play on the links. Originally a nine-hole course in the 1800s, it underwent several expansions to become the standard 18-hole course it is today.

The course is one of the oldest courses in Scotland, third only to the Old Course at St Andrews and the Old Course at Musselburgh. But despite being a relatively short course, it’s commonly regarded as the finest links course in Scotland. This is mainly due to its undulating fairways and multi-directional holes which, coupled with the wind, make for an interesting round.

The Kingdom of Fife is home to over 45 courses and each boasts their own unique reasons to visit. As a course with as much history as it has natural beauty, Elie Golf House Club should top any golfer’s bucket list. Oh, be sure to keep an eye out for the periscope that belonged to the HMS Excalibur until 1966 in the starter’s hut!

Nestled in the Perthshire countryside, Rosemount at Blairgowrie Golf Club is a truly beautiful course that must be seen to be believed. Consistently voted one of the top 100 golf courses in the UK, it’s surrounded by lush rolling hills and thick trees. This also makes it much more sheltered than some of Scotland’s other courses which are typically located along the coast.

The course is pretty consistent from start to finish but, in a surprising twist, leaves some of the more challenging holes until the very end. Both amateur and expert golfers are recommended to bring a variety of clubs to cater to the combination of holes that this course throws at you.

Overall, Rosemount makes for an extremely pleasant and enjoyable game of golf and is a course that is more than worthy of a visit if you’re in the area, even if just for the stunning scenery alone. There can be some challenging holes but compared to some of Scotland’s more well-known courses, such as the notoriously difficult Carnoustie, it’s a walk in the park.

One of the most underrated links courses in East Lothian, Dunbar Golf Club is another coastal beauty that is neither too difficult nor too easy. Located on Scotland’s ‘Golf Coast’, it is in competition with some of the country’s finest courses, some of which are just minutes away. Yet despite its esteemed location, Dunbar Golf Club is in a league of its own.

Dunbar Golf Club is home to the kind of ocean views that are standard at most Scottish golf courses. But in an interesting twist, the first and last holes are set back from the coast and separated by a wall. This provides a nice mix of classic links golf and parkland golf but can come as a surprise for first-time players expecting uninterrupted sea views from holes 1-18.

East Lothian has its fair share of great golf clubs but Dunbar is one of the region’s true hidden gems. With beautiful links and stunning scenery, it has everything you could ever want in a course. Just remember to bear the weather in mind. Dunbar is Scotland’s sunniest town but due to its coastal location, it’s rarely wind-free!

The world-famous Gullane Golf Club and Muirfield are also less than a 30-minute drive away if you have time to squeeze in a couple more great courses on your trip.

Sitting in the shadow of the Cairngorm Mountains, Spey Valley Golf Course is one of the country’s most prestigious inland courses. Located in prime golfing territory between Boat of Garten Golf Club and Kingussie Golf Club, Spey Valley holds its own and is certainly worth a visit for any golfing fan looking for a beautiful game in gorgeous surroundings.

Despite being resort-owned, you can guarantee a warm welcome when you visit this 7,118-yard course.

Spey Valley’s opening times can vary due to its mountainous location and snow is a hazard all year round. Wildlife, such as deer, osprey and red squirrels, have also been known to wander onto the green but usually get spooked when they see you so shouldn’t cause too much of a distraction.

From fairways lined with heather and strategically positioned bunkers, there are plenty of obstacles to keep you on your toes throughout. The course is also famous for its long holes (the fifth being the longest in Scotland) so make sure you have your walking shoes on before you start playing!

The Scottish Highlands are renowned for Royal Dornoch, Nairn, and Boat of Garten. But Golspie is a true hidden gem that is full of character and charm. Situated on the Dornoch Firth between Carnegie Championship Links and Brora Golf Course, it’s in great company! So, what makes Golspie Golf Club one of Scotland’s most underrated courses?

Well, it’s one of the few courses in the country to be made up of classic links, heathland, and parkland holes, meaning it starts as a links course but ends as a woodland course. The course also regularly switches between short and long holes which helps to keep things interesting from the first to the 18th hole.

Golspie’s remote location also means it’s only usually visited by golfers that know it’s there. So if you’re looking for a quiet round of golf while surrounded by some of the country’s most awe-inspiring natural beauty, look no further. Situated on the North Coast 500 route, make a point of stopping off at this wonderful links course on your travels, you won’t regret it!